Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

The words seemed to vanish into thin air. Everett kept walking, not stopping or saying a word. As they left the hospital, the sky had turned a deep, starless shade, the night air feeling heavy and suffocating. Derick pulled the car up, opened the door for her, and gently helped her inside. The car eased into the flow of traffic.

Selena turned her head, gazing out the window at the bustling city streets, the dazzling neon lights, the lively vibe all around. Everything appeared as it always did-calm and beautiful. Yet, inside, she felt her world had shattered. Her hand rested on her swollen belly, and before she knew it, a tear slipped out, splashing onto the back of her hand. She tried to wipe it away, but they just kept coming.

The scenes outside blurred away, leaving only the memory of Everett, his eyes red with anger, his grip tight around her, saying, "Are you happy now?"

"I never want to see you again, do you get that?"

Derick watched Selena silently cry through the rearview mirror, feeling a deep sadness himself. How did it all fall apart so quickly?

He'd seen Mr. Everett and his wife, so joyful and excited for their baby's arrival, thinking Mr. Everett had truly turned a new leaf and was ready for family life. But here they were again.

He wanted to say something comforting, but nothing seemed right. At times like this, words just felt empty.

...

Selena waited and waited at the villa, but Everett didn't come back. She tried calling, texting, but there was no reply.

These days, sleep eluded her. Every time she closed her eyes, she was haunted by terrifying images.

One moment, it was Margot pulling at her, falling to the ground, blood everywhere-a chilling sight. Then a doctor warning her about the risks if she didn't consider termination soon, saying both she and the baby might not make it.

And Margot's mocking voice, "Selena, Everett's only kept you around to see you and the baby gone for good!"

No, she refused to believe it. Selena shook her head fiercely, unwilling to accept that the man she shared her life with could harbor such hatred.

He had accepted the baby, let her stay, even listened to the baby's movements with his head on her belly. His study was packed with parenting books, and together, they had named the baby Mateo.

How could all that be just a facade, with no genuine feelings?

Waking from yet another nightmare, drenched in sweat, she lay on the bed, breathless, staring at the ceiling. She lost track of time-was it three days, five days, a week? Each day dragged on endlessly, a heavy weight on her heart, suffocating her.

Then, the sound of a car in the driveway jolted her back to reality. Was Everett finally home?

She struggled to sit up, took a few deep breaths, threw on a coat, and stepped outside in her slippers. She had to confront him, get to the bottom of things. She didn't want to misjudge him. But she also needed to stand up for herself and her child.

Supporting her aching back, Selena slowly approached the staircase, seeing a man's silhouette coming up, his footsteps drawing nearer. She lifted her gaze to meet his and found herself choked up at the sight of his eyes.